US20090165248A1 - Adjustable hinge assembly - Google Patents
Adjustable hinge assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090165248A1 US20090165248A1 US12/191,278 US19127808A US2009165248A1 US 20090165248 A1 US20090165248 A1 US 20090165248A1 US 19127808 A US19127808 A US 19127808A US 2009165248 A1 US2009165248 A1 US 2009165248A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- adjustable
- hinge assembly
- deformable
- deformable member
- shaft portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D11/00—Additional features or accessories of hinges
- E05D11/08—Friction devices between relatively-movable hinge parts
- E05D11/082—Friction devices between relatively-movable hinge parts with substantially radial friction, e.g. cylindrical friction surfaces
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefore
- E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means, e.g. clutches; Holders, e.g. locks; Stops; Accessories therefore
- E05Y2201/21—Brakes
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefore
- E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means, e.g. clutches; Holders, e.g. locks; Stops; Accessories therefore
- E05Y2201/25—Force or torque adjustment therefore
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/60—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for other use
- E05Y2900/606—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for other use for electronic devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to hinge assemblies, and particularly, to an adjustable hinge assembly.
- Hinges are usually used to rotatably connect two elements. A force or pressure is applied to one of the two elements to facilitate this relative movement.
- the two elements are usually able to be stable at any positions without the force or pressure so as to facilitate operating on the elements.
- Many electronic devices such as notebook computers have such elements.
- a typical hinge used in a device having a liquid crystal display screen includes the following structures: A fixing member for connecting to a main body of the device and a hinge leaf for connecting to the display screen.
- the fixing member and the hinge leaf are rotatable relative to each other.
- An elastic member and a plurality of washers are disposed between the fixing member and hinge leaf.
- An elastic force of the elastic member makes the fixing member, the hinge leaf, and the washers abut to adjacent members. Frictional forces between the members are strong enough to prevent the members from rotating arbitrarily. When an external force large enough to overcome the frictional forces is applied on one of the hinge leaf, the hinge leaf can rotate relative to the fixing member.
- the external force enabling the hinge leaf to rotate relative to the fixing member is determined by the frictional forces between the members, thus the external force can not be adjusted to meet different requirements.
- An exemplary adjustable hinge assembly includes a fixing member, a deformable member, an adjustable member, and a rotary member.
- the deformable member is sleeved or partially sleeved on the fixing member.
- the deformable member and the fixing member are rotatably connected to the rotary member.
- the deformable member resists the fixing member and the rotary member.
- the adjustable member engages with the fixing member.
- the adjustable member is adjusted to change the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member and the rotary member.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 , but viewed from another aspect.
- FIG. 3 is an assembled, isometric view of the adjustable hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a deformable member of the adjustable hinge assembly shown in FIG. 5 , taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5 .
- the present disclosure provides an adjustable hinge assembly used in foldable electronic devices that include two components rotatably attached to each other, such as those used in personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras (DCs), and digital videos (DVs).
- PCs personal computers
- PDAs personal digital assistants
- DCs digital cameras
- DVs digital videos
- the adjustable hinge assembly 10 includes a fixing member 12 , a deformable member 14 , a cushion washer 16 , an adjustable member 18 , and a rotary member 20 .
- the fixing member 12 includes a fixing portion 122 and a connecting portion 124 extending from an end of the fixing portion 122 .
- the fixing portion 122 is cylindrical, and is configured for fixing to a main body of a foldable electronic device.
- the connecting portion 124 includes a first shaft portion 1242 , a second shaft portion 1244 , and a third shaft portion 1246 .
- the first shaft portion 1242 is approximately cylindrical and extends from an end of the fixing portion 122 .
- the second shaft portion 1244 is a hollow cylinder. An end of the second shaft portion 1244 defines a threaded hole 1248 .
- the outer diameter of the second shaft portion 1244 is smaller than that of the first shaft portion 1242 .
- the third shaft portion 1246 is a conical frustum, and interconnects the first shaft portion 1242 and the second shaft portion 1244 .
- the diameter of the third shaft portion 1246 decreases along a direction away from the first shaft portion 1242 .
- the deformable member 14 is substantially cylindrical, and has a C-shaped cross-section.
- the deformable member 14 defines a circular central hole 142 .
- a slot 144 is defined in a sidewall of the deformable member 14 .
- the slot 144 extends through the sidewall along a direction parallel to an axis of the deformable member 14 .
- the diameter of the central hole 142 is larger than the minimum diameter of the third shaft portion 1246 , and smaller than the maximum diameter of the third shaft portion 1246 .
- the deformable member 14 is sleeved on the third shaft portion 1246 .
- the central hole 142 may be other shapes. Accordingly, a shape of the cross-section of the third shaft portion 1246 is adjusted to correspond to the central hole 142 .
- the slot 144 may be shorter, and does not extend through the sidewall of the deformable member 14 . In such cases, the deformable member 14 is made of materials with good elasticity.
- the cushion washer 16 is a hollow cylinder, and defines a through hole 162 .
- the through hole 162 is configured for receiving the second shaft portion 1244 of the fixing member 12 .
- the cushion washer 16 is a shock absorber, and made of materials with cushion feature, such as plastic.
- the adjustable member 18 is a screw including a screw portion 182 and a head 184 .
- the screw portion 182 is configured for engaging with the threaded hole 1248 of the second shaft portion 1244 .
- the head 184 is cylindrical, and an end surface of the head 184 defines an irregular groove 1844 for receiving a screwdriver (not shown). In use, a screwdriver is inserted into the irregular groove 1844 to rotate the adjustable member 18 , so that the adjustable member 18 is screwed out or screwed into the threaded hole 1248 of the fixing member 12 .
- the adjustable hinge assembly 10 further includes a washer 22 for being sleeved on the screw portion 182 and abutting against the head 184 and the cushion washer 16 .
- the rotary member 20 includes a leaf 202 and a sleeve 204 extending from an end of the leaf 202 .
- the leaf 202 defines a pair of assembling holes (not labeled).
- the rotary member 20 is fixed to a cover of the foldable electronic device via the assembling holes.
- the sleeve 204 defines a sleeve hole 206 with the diameter slightly larger than that of the deformable member 14 .
- the deformable member 14 is axially sleeved on the third shaft portion 1246 of the fixing member 12 .
- An inner surface forming the central hole 142 of the deformable member 14 resists the third shaft portion 1246 , so that the diameter of the deformable member 14 can be changed as the third shaft portion 1246 slides further into or out of the central hole 142 .
- the screw portion 182 extends through the through hole 162 of the cushion washer 16 and the washer 22 . Then, the screw portion 182 engages in the threaded hole 1248 of the second shaft portion 1244 .
- the fixing member 12 together with the deformable member 14 , the cushion washer 16 , and the adjustable member 18 , is rotatably connected to the rotary member 20 via being inserted into the sleeve hole 206 of the rotary member 20 .
- the outer surface of the deformable member 14 resists the inner surface of the rotary member 20 .
- an external force is applied on the rotary member 20 . If the external force is large enough to overcome a frictional force between the deformable member 14 and the rotary member 20 , the rotary member 20 can rotate relative to the fixing member 12 . When the rotary member 20 rotates to a desired position, the external force is released. The frictional force between the deformable member 14 and the rotary member 20 prevents the rotary member 20 from further rotating. When the external force enabling the rotary member 20 to rotate relative to the fixing member 12 needs to be adjusted, the screwdriver is inserted into the irregular groove 1844 to adjust the position of the adjustable member 18 .
- the head 184 and the washer 22 press the deformable member 14 to move towards a larger end of the third shaft portion 1246 , thereby expanding the deformable member 14 . Therefore, the diameter of the deformable member 14 becomes larger, and the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member 14 and the rotary member 20 increases. Thus, a larger external force should be applied to overcome a larger frictional force between the deformable member 14 and the rotary member 20 to rotate the rotary member 20 .
- the adjustable member 18 screws out of the threaded hole 1248 , the deformable member 14 moves towards a smaller end of the third shaft portion 1246 . Therefore, the diameter of the deformable member 14 becomes smaller, and the frictional force between the deformable member 14 and the rotary member 20 decreases.
- the external force enabling the rotary member 20 to rotate can be smaller.
- the cushion washer 16 and the washer 22 disposed between the deformable member 14 and the head 184 of adjustable member 18 are able to prevent an abrasion between the deformable member 14 and the adjustable member 18 . As such, a service life of the adjustable hinge assembly 10 is prolonged.
- the adjustable hinge assembly 30 includes a fixing member 32 , a deformable member 34 , an adjustable member 38 , and a rotary member 40 .
- the adjustable hinge assembly 30 is similar in principle to the adjustable hinge assembly 10 except the following differences. Firstly, the adjustable hinge assembly 30 does not include a cushion washer. Secondly, a connecting portion 324 of the fixing member 32 does not include a conical frustum shaft portion. Thirdly, the adjustable member 38 is a screw including a screw portion 382 , a head 384 , and a conical frustum portion 386 interconnects the screw portion 382 and the head 384 .
- the diameter of the conical frustum portion 386 decreases along a direction towards the screw portion 382 .
- the diameter of the head 384 of the adjustable member 38 is larger than the maximum diameter of the deformable member 34 .
- the diameter of a central hole 342 of the deformable member 34 is larger than the minimum diameter of the conical frustum portion 386 , and smaller than the maximum diameter of the conical frustum portion 386 .
- the deformable member 34 is partially sleeved on the second portion 3244 of the connecting portion 324 .
- the inner surface for forming the central hole 342 of the deformable member 34 resists the conical frustum portion 386 .
- the adjustable member 38 is engaged in a threaded hole of the second shaft portion 3244 .
- the fixing member 32 together with the deformable member 34 and the adjustable member 38 , is rotatably connected to the rotary member 40 via being inserted into the sleeve hole 406 of the rotary member 40 .
- the outer surface of the deformable member 34 resists the inner surface for forming the sleeve hole 406 of the rotary member 40 .
- the adjustable member 38 is adjusted to make the screw portion 382 screw out or screw into the threaded hole of the fixing member 32 .
- the deformable member 34 axially moves along the conical frustum portion 386 , thereby expanding the deformable member 34 in a certain extent. Therefore, the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member 34 and the rotary member 40 is changed.
- an external force should be applied to overcome a larger or a smaller frictional force between the deformable member 34 and the rotary member 40 to rotate the rotary member 40 .
- the external force enabling the rotary member 40 to rotate is adjusted.
- the second shaft portion 3244 of the fixing member 32 may be omitted.
- an end of the first shaft portion 3242 defines a threaded hole, and the adjustable member 38 is longer.
- the screw portion 382 of the adjustable member 38 is engaged with the first shaft portion 3242 of the fixing member 32 after inserting through the central hole 342 of the deformable member 34 .
- Two ends of the deformable member 34 abut against the end surface of the first shaft portion 3242 and the conical frustum portion 386 correspondingly.
- the inner surface for forming the central hole 342 resists the conical frustum portion 386 of the adjustable member 38 .
- the conical frustum portion 386 may be omitted.
- the deformable member 34 is made of materials with good elasticity, such as rubber.
- a slot 344 of the deformable member 34 may also be omitted.
- two ends of the deformable member 34 respectively abut against the first shaft portion 3242 and the head 384 of the adjustable member 38 .
- the adjustable member 38 presses the deformable member 34 to deform.
- the diameter of a cross-section of the deformable member 34 is changed, thereby changing the maximum static frictional force between the outer surface of the deformable member 34 and the inner surface for forming the sleeve hole 406 of the rotary member 40 .
- the external force for rotating the rotary member 40 is thus adjusted.
- the adjustable hinge assembly 50 includes a fixing member 52 , a deformable member 54 , an adjustable member 58 , and a rotary member 60 .
- the fixing member 52 includes a fixing portion 522 and a connecting portion 524 extending from an end of the fixing portion 522 .
- the adjustable hinge assembly 50 is similar in principle to the adjustable hinge assembly 10 except the following differences. Firstly, the connecting portion 524 of the fixing member 52 is a cylinder, and defines a threaded hole at an end thereof. Secondly, the diameter of a washer 62 is larger than the maximum diameter of the deformable member 54 . Thirdly, referring also to FIG.
- the diameter of a central hole 542 decreases along the axis of the deformable member 54 .
- the diameter of the connecting portion 524 is larger than the minimum diameter of the central hole 542 , and smaller than the maximum diameter of the central hole 542 .
- the connecting portion 524 of the fixing member 52 is inserted into the central hole 542 , with the deformable member 54 partially sleeved on the connecting portion 524 .
- the connecting portion 524 resists the inner surface for forming the central hole 542 .
- a screw portion (not labeled) of the adjustable member 58 is engaged in a thread hole (not labeled) of the connecting portion 524 .
- the fixing member 52 together with the deformable member 54 and the adjustable member 58 , is rotatably connected to the rotary member 60 via being inserted into the sleeve hole 606 of the rotary member 60 .
- the outer surface of the deformable member 54 resists the inner surface for forming the sleeve hole 606 .
- the adjustable member 58 is adjusted to make the deformable member 54 axially move along the connecting portion 524 .
- the connecting portion 524 resists the deformable member 54 , thereby expanding the deformable member 54 to a certain extent.
- the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member 54 and the rotary member 60 is adjusted.
- an external force for rotating the rotary member 54 is adjusted.
- the deformable members 14 , 34 , 54 of the adjustable hinge assemblies 10 , 30 , 50 are detached parts.
- the deformable members 14 , 34 , 54 may be easily replaced after being worn out, so that there is no need for changing the whole adjustable hinge assemblies 10 , 30 , 50 .
Abstract
An exemplary adjustable hinge assembly (10) includes a fixing member (12), a deformable member (14), an adjustable member (18), and a rotary member (20). The deformable member is sleeved or partially sleeved on the fixing member. The deformable member and the fixing member are rotatably connected to the rotary member. The deformable member resists the fixing member and the rotary member. The adjustable member engages with the fixing member. The adjustable member is adjusted to change the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member and the rotary member.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to hinge assemblies, and particularly, to an adjustable hinge assembly.
- 2. Discussion of the Related Art
- Hinges are usually used to rotatably connect two elements. A force or pressure is applied to one of the two elements to facilitate this relative movement. The two elements are usually able to be stable at any positions without the force or pressure so as to facilitate operating on the elements. Many electronic devices such as notebook computers have such elements.
- A typical hinge used in a device having a liquid crystal display screen includes the following structures: A fixing member for connecting to a main body of the device and a hinge leaf for connecting to the display screen. The fixing member and the hinge leaf are rotatable relative to each other. An elastic member and a plurality of washers are disposed between the fixing member and hinge leaf. An elastic force of the elastic member makes the fixing member, the hinge leaf, and the washers abut to adjacent members. Frictional forces between the members are strong enough to prevent the members from rotating arbitrarily. When an external force large enough to overcome the frictional forces is applied on one of the hinge leaf, the hinge leaf can rotate relative to the fixing member.
- However, the external force enabling the hinge leaf to rotate relative to the fixing member is determined by the frictional forces between the members, thus the external force can not be adjusted to meet different requirements.
- Therefore, an adjustable hinge assembly which solves the above-described problems are desired.
- An exemplary adjustable hinge assembly includes a fixing member, a deformable member, an adjustable member, and a rotary member. The deformable member is sleeved or partially sleeved on the fixing member. The deformable member and the fixing member are rotatably connected to the rotary member. The deformable member resists the fixing member and the rotary member. The adjustable member engages with the fixing member. The adjustable member is adjusted to change the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member and the rotary member.
- Other advantages and novel features will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present adjustable hinge assembly. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and all the views are schematic.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is similar toFIG. 1 , but viewed from another aspect. -
FIG. 3 is an assembled, isometric view of the adjustable hinge assembly shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of an adjustable hinge assembly in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a deformable member of the adjustable hinge assembly shown inFIG. 5 , taken along the line VI-VI ofFIG. 5 . - Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of the present adjustable hinge assembly in detail.
- The present disclosure provides an adjustable hinge assembly used in foldable electronic devices that include two components rotatably attached to each other, such as those used in personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras (DCs), and digital videos (DVs).
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , anadjustable hinge assembly 10 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theadjustable hinge assembly 10 includes afixing member 12, adeformable member 14, acushion washer 16, anadjustable member 18, and arotary member 20. - The
fixing member 12 includes afixing portion 122 and a connectingportion 124 extending from an end of thefixing portion 122. Thefixing portion 122 is cylindrical, and is configured for fixing to a main body of a foldable electronic device. The connectingportion 124 includes afirst shaft portion 1242, asecond shaft portion 1244, and athird shaft portion 1246. - The
first shaft portion 1242 is approximately cylindrical and extends from an end of thefixing portion 122. Thesecond shaft portion 1244 is a hollow cylinder. An end of thesecond shaft portion 1244 defines a threadedhole 1248. The outer diameter of thesecond shaft portion 1244 is smaller than that of thefirst shaft portion 1242. Thethird shaft portion 1246 is a conical frustum, and interconnects thefirst shaft portion 1242 and thesecond shaft portion 1244. The diameter of thethird shaft portion 1246 decreases along a direction away from thefirst shaft portion 1242. - The
deformable member 14 is substantially cylindrical, and has a C-shaped cross-section. Thedeformable member 14 defines a circularcentral hole 142. Aslot 144 is defined in a sidewall of thedeformable member 14. Theslot 144 extends through the sidewall along a direction parallel to an axis of thedeformable member 14. The diameter of thecentral hole 142 is larger than the minimum diameter of thethird shaft portion 1246, and smaller than the maximum diameter of thethird shaft portion 1246. Thedeformable member 14 is sleeved on thethird shaft portion 1246. Alternatively, thecentral hole 142 may be other shapes. Accordingly, a shape of the cross-section of thethird shaft portion 1246 is adjusted to correspond to thecentral hole 142. Theslot 144 may be shorter, and does not extend through the sidewall of thedeformable member 14. In such cases, thedeformable member 14 is made of materials with good elasticity. - The
cushion washer 16 is a hollow cylinder, and defines a throughhole 162. The throughhole 162 is configured for receiving thesecond shaft portion 1244 of thefixing member 12. Thecushion washer 16 is a shock absorber, and made of materials with cushion feature, such as plastic. - The
adjustable member 18 is a screw including ascrew portion 182 and ahead 184. Thescrew portion 182 is configured for engaging with the threadedhole 1248 of thesecond shaft portion 1244. Thehead 184 is cylindrical, and an end surface of thehead 184 defines anirregular groove 1844 for receiving a screwdriver (not shown). In use, a screwdriver is inserted into theirregular groove 1844 to rotate theadjustable member 18, so that theadjustable member 18 is screwed out or screwed into the threadedhole 1248 of the fixingmember 12. Theadjustable hinge assembly 10 further includes awasher 22 for being sleeved on thescrew portion 182 and abutting against thehead 184 and thecushion washer 16. - The
rotary member 20 includes aleaf 202 and asleeve 204 extending from an end of theleaf 202. Theleaf 202 defines a pair of assembling holes (not labeled). Therotary member 20 is fixed to a cover of the foldable electronic device via the assembling holes. Thesleeve 204 defines asleeve hole 206 with the diameter slightly larger than that of thedeformable member 14. - Referring also to
FIG. 3 , in assembling of theadjustable hinge 10, thedeformable member 14 is axially sleeved on thethird shaft portion 1246 of the fixingmember 12. An inner surface forming thecentral hole 142 of thedeformable member 14 resists thethird shaft portion 1246, so that the diameter of thedeformable member 14 can be changed as thethird shaft portion 1246 slides further into or out of thecentral hole 142. Thescrew portion 182 extends through the throughhole 162 of thecushion washer 16 and thewasher 22. Then, thescrew portion 182 engages in the threadedhole 1248 of thesecond shaft portion 1244. After that, the fixingmember 12, together with thedeformable member 14, thecushion washer 16, and theadjustable member 18, is rotatably connected to therotary member 20 via being inserted into thesleeve hole 206 of therotary member 20. The outer surface of thedeformable member 14 resists the inner surface of therotary member 20. - To rotate the
adjustable hinge 10, an external force is applied on therotary member 20. If the external force is large enough to overcome a frictional force between thedeformable member 14 and therotary member 20, therotary member 20 can rotate relative to the fixingmember 12. When therotary member 20 rotates to a desired position, the external force is released. The frictional force between thedeformable member 14 and therotary member 20 prevents therotary member 20 from further rotating. When the external force enabling therotary member 20 to rotate relative to the fixingmember 12 needs to be adjusted, the screwdriver is inserted into theirregular groove 1844 to adjust the position of theadjustable member 18. When theadjustable member 18 further screws into the threadedhole 1248, thehead 184 and thewasher 22 press thedeformable member 14 to move towards a larger end of thethird shaft portion 1246, thereby expanding thedeformable member 14. Therefore, the diameter of thedeformable member 14 becomes larger, and the maximum static frictional force between thedeformable member 14 and therotary member 20 increases. Thus, a larger external force should be applied to overcome a larger frictional force between thedeformable member 14 and therotary member 20 to rotate therotary member 20. When theadjustable member 18 screws out of the threadedhole 1248, thedeformable member 14 moves towards a smaller end of thethird shaft portion 1246. Therefore, the diameter of thedeformable member 14 becomes smaller, and the frictional force between thedeformable member 14 and therotary member 20 decreases. Thus, the external force enabling therotary member 20 to rotate can be smaller. - It should be understood that, the
cushion washer 16 and thewasher 22 disposed between thedeformable member 14 and thehead 184 ofadjustable member 18 are able to prevent an abrasion between thedeformable member 14 and theadjustable member 18. As such, a service life of theadjustable hinge assembly 10 is prolonged. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , anadjustable hinge assembly 30 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment is shown. Theadjustable hinge assembly 30 includes a fixingmember 32, adeformable member 34, anadjustable member 38, and arotary member 40. Theadjustable hinge assembly 30 is similar in principle to theadjustable hinge assembly 10 except the following differences. Firstly, theadjustable hinge assembly 30 does not include a cushion washer. Secondly, a connecting portion 324 of the fixingmember 32 does not include a conical frustum shaft portion. Thirdly, theadjustable member 38 is a screw including ascrew portion 382, ahead 384, and aconical frustum portion 386 interconnects thescrew portion 382 and thehead 384. The diameter of theconical frustum portion 386 decreases along a direction towards thescrew portion 382. The diameter of thehead 384 of theadjustable member 38 is larger than the maximum diameter of thedeformable member 34. Fourthly, the diameter of acentral hole 342 of thedeformable member 34 is larger than the minimum diameter of theconical frustum portion 386, and smaller than the maximum diameter of theconical frustum portion 386. - In assembling of the
adjustable hinge assembly 30, thedeformable member 34 is partially sleeved on thesecond portion 3244 of the connecting portion 324. The inner surface for forming thecentral hole 342 of thedeformable member 34 resists theconical frustum portion 386. Theadjustable member 38 is engaged in a threaded hole of thesecond shaft portion 3244. Then, the fixingmember 32, together with thedeformable member 34 and theadjustable member 38, is rotatably connected to therotary member 40 via being inserted into thesleeve hole 406 of therotary member 40. The outer surface of thedeformable member 34 resists the inner surface for forming thesleeve hole 406 of therotary member 40. - In use, the
adjustable member 38 is adjusted to make thescrew portion 382 screw out or screw into the threaded hole of the fixingmember 32. Thus, thedeformable member 34 axially moves along theconical frustum portion 386, thereby expanding thedeformable member 34 in a certain extent. Therefore, the maximum static frictional force between thedeformable member 34 and therotary member 40 is changed. Thus, an external force should be applied to overcome a larger or a smaller frictional force between thedeformable member 34 and therotary member 40 to rotate therotary member 40. The external force enabling therotary member 40 to rotate is adjusted. - Alternatively, the
second shaft portion 3244 of the fixingmember 32 may be omitted. In such cases, an end of the first shaft portion 3242 defines a threaded hole, and theadjustable member 38 is longer. Thescrew portion 382 of theadjustable member 38 is engaged with the first shaft portion 3242 of the fixingmember 32 after inserting through thecentral hole 342 of thedeformable member 34. Two ends of thedeformable member 34 abut against the end surface of the first shaft portion 3242 and theconical frustum portion 386 correspondingly. The inner surface for forming thecentral hole 342 resists theconical frustum portion 386 of theadjustable member 38. - In alternative embodiments, the
conical frustum portion 386 may be omitted. In such cases, thedeformable member 34 is made of materials with good elasticity, such as rubber. Aslot 344 of thedeformable member 34 may also be omitted. In assembly, two ends of thedeformable member 34 respectively abut against the first shaft portion 3242 and thehead 384 of theadjustable member 38. When theadjustable member 38 is adjusted to move relative to the fixingmember 32, theadjustable member 38 presses thedeformable member 34 to deform. Thus, the diameter of a cross-section of thedeformable member 34 is changed, thereby changing the maximum static frictional force between the outer surface of thedeformable member 34 and the inner surface for forming thesleeve hole 406 of therotary member 40. The external force for rotating therotary member 40 is thus adjusted. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , anadjustable hinge assembly 50 in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment is shown. Theadjustable hinge assembly 50 includes a fixingmember 52, adeformable member 54, anadjustable member 58, and arotary member 60. The fixingmember 52 includes a fixingportion 522 and a connectingportion 524 extending from an end of the fixingportion 522. Theadjustable hinge assembly 50 is similar in principle to theadjustable hinge assembly 10 except the following differences. Firstly, the connectingportion 524 of the fixingmember 52 is a cylinder, and defines a threaded hole at an end thereof. Secondly, the diameter of awasher 62 is larger than the maximum diameter of thedeformable member 54. Thirdly, referring also toFIG. 6 , the diameter of acentral hole 542 decreases along the axis of thedeformable member 54. The diameter of the connectingportion 524 is larger than the minimum diameter of thecentral hole 542, and smaller than the maximum diameter of thecentral hole 542. - In assembly, the connecting
portion 524 of the fixingmember 52 is inserted into thecentral hole 542, with thedeformable member 54 partially sleeved on the connectingportion 524. The connectingportion 524 resists the inner surface for forming thecentral hole 542. Then, a screw portion (not labeled) of theadjustable member 58 is engaged in a thread hole (not labeled) of the connectingportion 524. After that, the fixingmember 52, together with thedeformable member 54 and theadjustable member 58, is rotatably connected to therotary member 60 via being inserted into thesleeve hole 606 of therotary member 60. The outer surface of thedeformable member 54 resists the inner surface for forming thesleeve hole 606. - In use, the
adjustable member 58 is adjusted to make thedeformable member 54 axially move along the connectingportion 524. The connectingportion 524 resists thedeformable member 54, thereby expanding thedeformable member 54 to a certain extent. The maximum static frictional force between thedeformable member 54 and therotary member 60 is adjusted. Thus, an external force for rotating therotary member 54 is adjusted. - The
deformable members adjustable hinge assemblies deformable members adjustable hinge assemblies - It is believed that the present embodiments and their advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. An adjustable hinge assembly, comprising:
a fixing member;
a rotary member;
a deformable member sleeved or partially sleeved on the fixing member, the deformable member and the fixing member being rotatably connected to the rotary member, the deformable member being resisting the fixing member and the rotary member; and
an adjustable member engaged with the fixing member, the adjustable member being capable of adjusting the deformable member to resist the fixing member and the rotary member to different extent.
2. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a slot is defined in a sidewall of the deformable member.
3. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the fixing member includes a connecting portion, the connecting portion includes a conical frustum portion and a second shaft portion, and the deformable member is sleeved on the conical frustum portion.
4. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the second shaft portion of the connecting portion defines a threaded hole at one end thereof, the adjustable member is a screw including a screw portion, the screw portion is engaged in the threaded hole of the second shaft portion.
5. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fixing member is substantially elongated cylindrical shape and includes a connecting portion, the connecting portion includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, the diameter of the first shaft portion is larger than that of the second shaft portion, and the deformable member is partially sleeved on the second shaft portion.
6. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the second shaft portion defines a threaded hole at one end thereof, the adjustable member is a screw including a screw portion and a head, a conical frustum portion interconnects the screw portion and the head, the diameter of the conical frustum portion decreases along a direction towards the screw portion, and the screw portion is engaged in the threaded hole of the second shaft portion.
7. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the deformable member is partially sleeved on the conical frustum portion of the adjustable member, the deformable member resists the first shaft portion of the fixing member and the conical frustum portion, and the conical frustum portion is configured for expanding the deformable member to a certain extent.
8. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the deformable member defines a central hole, the diameter of the central hole decreases along the axis of the deformable member.
9. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the fixing member includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion defines a threaded hole at one end thereof, the deformable member is partially sleeved on the connecting portion, the adjustable member is engaged in the threaded hole of the connecting portion, and the deformable member resists the connecting portion and is axially moved along the connecting portion.
10. An adjustable hinge assembly, comprising:
a fixing member including a conical frustum portion;
a rotary member;
a deformable member defining a through hole engaged with the conical frustum portion of the fixing member, the deformable member and the fixing member rotatably connected to the rotary member, the deformable member resisting the fixing member and the rotary member; and
an adjustable member engaged with the fixing member, the adjustable member being capable of making the deformable member axially move along the conical frustum portion.
11. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 10 , wherein a slot is defined in a sidewall of the deformable member.
12. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a cushion washer, the cushion washer being placed over the fixing member and disposed between the deformable member and the adjustable member.
13. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the fixing member includes and a conical frustum portion and a second shaft portion, the diameter of the conical frustum portion decreases along a direction towards the second shaft portion, and the cushion washer is placed over the second shaft portion.
14. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the adjustable member is a screw including a screw portion and a head, the second shaft portion defines a threaded hole at one end thereof, and the screw portion is engaged in the threaded hole.
15. The adjustable hinge assembly as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising a washer placed over the screw portion, two ends of the cushion washer resisting the deformable member and the head portion respectively, and the screw portion being engaged in the threaded hole of the second shaft portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN200710203540.XA CN101469737A (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Adjustable hinge mechanism |
CN200710203540.X | 2007-12-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090165248A1 true US20090165248A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
Family
ID=40796368
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/191,278 Abandoned US20090165248A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2008-08-13 | Adjustable hinge assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090165248A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101469737A (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102235417A (en) * | 2010-04-20 | 2011-11-09 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Hinge and electronic device with hinges |
CN103047265A (en) * | 2011-10-17 | 2013-04-17 | 苏州诚骏科技有限公司 | Rotating shaft structure with torque force adjusting function |
US20140304948A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Fujitsu Limited | Hinge device |
US20150121654A1 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2015-05-07 | Southco, Inc. | Variable friction hinge |
CN105757114A (en) * | 2016-05-11 | 2016-07-13 | 四川中物技术股份有限公司 | Damping shaft being simple in structure |
US10344511B2 (en) * | 2016-10-21 | 2019-07-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Hinge damper |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN102890880A (en) * | 2012-10-10 | 2013-01-23 | 封伟书 | Multimedia teaching machine with double display screens |
CN104832532B (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2017-08-11 | 李林波 | The rotating shaft of torque-adjustable |
CN105889310B (en) * | 2016-06-22 | 2018-11-02 | 广东百事泰电子商务股份有限公司 | It can limit damping pivot and the desk lamp with it |
CN108952394B (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2023-06-27 | 今创集团股份有限公司 | Adjustable damping hinge |
CN109681522B (en) * | 2019-01-30 | 2021-06-18 | 东软医疗系统股份有限公司 | Friction hinge and display device |
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US1610404A (en) * | 1925-08-19 | 1926-12-14 | Winfrey Edgar Major | Doorcheck |
US1847937A (en) * | 1930-05-27 | 1932-03-01 | Arthur W Glade | Antirattle hinge pin |
US3837042A (en) * | 1970-03-26 | 1974-09-24 | Atomic Energy Authority Uk | Pivots |
US5388308A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1995-02-14 | Meeuwissen; Gerard H. | Vacuum arm joint assembly |
US6381808B1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2002-05-07 | Minoru Kida | Hinge used for note-type computer |
US20020112319A1 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-08-22 | Makoto Kida | Hinge |
US20020121002A1 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2002-09-05 | Yu-Chih Wu | Structure of hinge for use in a computer |
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- 2007-12-28 CN CN200710203540.XA patent/CN101469737A/en active Pending
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US1610404A (en) * | 1925-08-19 | 1926-12-14 | Winfrey Edgar Major | Doorcheck |
US1847937A (en) * | 1930-05-27 | 1932-03-01 | Arthur W Glade | Antirattle hinge pin |
US3837042A (en) * | 1970-03-26 | 1974-09-24 | Atomic Energy Authority Uk | Pivots |
US5388308A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1995-02-14 | Meeuwissen; Gerard H. | Vacuum arm joint assembly |
US6381808B1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2002-05-07 | Minoru Kida | Hinge used for note-type computer |
US20020112319A1 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-08-22 | Makoto Kida | Hinge |
US20020121002A1 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2002-09-05 | Yu-Chih Wu | Structure of hinge for use in a computer |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102235417A (en) * | 2010-04-20 | 2011-11-09 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Hinge and electronic device with hinges |
CN103047265A (en) * | 2011-10-17 | 2013-04-17 | 苏州诚骏科技有限公司 | Rotating shaft structure with torque force adjusting function |
US20140304948A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Fujitsu Limited | Hinge device |
US9388617B2 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2016-07-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Hinge device |
US20150121654A1 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2015-05-07 | Southco, Inc. | Variable friction hinge |
US9644412B2 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2017-05-09 | Southco, Inc. | Variable friction hinge |
US10648212B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2020-05-12 | Southco, Inc. | Variable friction hinge |
CN105757114A (en) * | 2016-05-11 | 2016-07-13 | 四川中物技术股份有限公司 | Damping shaft being simple in structure |
US10344511B2 (en) * | 2016-10-21 | 2019-07-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Hinge damper |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN101469737A (en) | 2009-07-01 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TAIWAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WANG, JIN-XIN;REEL/FRAME:021384/0448 Effective date: 20080804 Owner name: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WANG, JIN-XIN;REEL/FRAME:021384/0448 Effective date: 20080804 |
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